Podgorica, (MINA) – It is encouraging for Montenegro that an increasing number of EU member states have recognized its progress and highlighted that its accession process can serve as a model for future enlargement, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic made this remark on Friday in Rome where he participated in a meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group at the invitation of the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani.

“We discussed the future of the EU enlargement policy and the new model of accession agreements, with a clear shared commitment that the enlargement process must remain based on merit and reforms”, ​​said Ibrahimovic in a press release.

He stressed that it is particularly important that a broad understanding was reached among the participants that the negotiations must lead to full EU membership, based on equal rights and obligations.

Ibrahimovic said that protective clauses, if included in accession treaties, must be targeted, proportionate and time-limited, without violating the equal rights and obligations of future member states.

“Montenegro remains fully committed to reforms and we are convinced that the results we achieve will be the best recommendation for our full membership in the EU”, said Ibrahimovic.